LAURA ELIZABETH JOHNSON ESSEX

Wilmington-Laura Elizabeth Johnson Essex, age 88, met her Lord on Sunday, March 11, 2018, surrounded by her family.

She was born in West Grove, PA and was the daughter of the late Lydia (Miller) and Alva Wimmer, Sr. Laura graduated from P.S. DuPont HS in 1948 and attended Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC and Goldey Beacom in Wilmington. She was the receptionist for Keen Compressed Gas Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1995. Laura was a member Bethel Baptist, Ogletown Baptist and Brandywine Valley Baptist churches.

Laura is preceded in death by her first husband of 23 years in 1973, Edwin P. Johnson, Jr. and a son, Keith E. Johnson in 1993. She is survived by her present husband Roland Essex of 43 years; 2 children, Dr. Wayne D. Johnson (Phyllis) of Midland, MI and Cheryl Ryle (Greg) of Claymont, DE; 8 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, 5 step children, Jeffery A. Essex (Nancy), David W. Essex, Debra E. Blackburn (Dwayne), Susan M. Jaycox (David) and Kathryn E. Cameron (John), 15 step grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren and a sister Dorothy Statler (Robert). Laura is also preceded in death by a step son, William E. Essex and a brother Alva Wimmer, Jr.

A funeral service will be held at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church, 7 Mt Lebanon Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, on Thursday, March 15, at 11 am, where friends may call after 10 am. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Brandywine Valley Baptist Church.